Between 10 And 20% Of The Population Experience Perso 909112

Between 10 And 20 Of The Population Experience Personality Disorders

Between 10% and 20% of the population experience personality disorders. They are difficult to treat as individuals with personality disorders are less likely to seek help than individuals with other mental health disorders. Treatment can be challenging as they do not see their symptoms as painful to themselves or others. Paraphilic disorders are far more common in men than in women, and generally quite chronic, lasting at least two years. Treatment of these disorders usually involves both psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic treatments.

In this Assignment, you will explore personality and paraphilic disorders in greater detail. You will research potentially controversial elements of the diagnosis and/or treatment and explain ethical and legal considerations when working with these disorders. Review this week’s Learning Resources and consider the insights they provide on assessing, diagnosing, and treating personality and paraphilic disorders. Select a specific personality or paraphilic disorder from the DSM-5-TR to use for this Assignment. Use the Walden Library to investigate your chosen disorder further, including controversial aspects of the disorder, maintaining the therapeutic relationship, and ethical and legal considerations.

Paper For Above instruction

For this assignment, I have chosen to explore Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) from the DSM-5-TR, given its significant clinical and ethical implications. ASPD is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others, beginning in early adolescence and continuing into adulthood. This disorder is often associated with criminal behaviors, deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The controversy surrounding ASPD centers around its diagnosis, treatment, and societal implications, raising questions about moral responsibility, legal accountability, and the effectiveness of interventions.

One major controversy involves the potential for stigmatization and moral judgment. Critics argue that labeling someone with ASPD can lead to social exclusion and a deterministic view of criminality, neglecting the complex interplay of environmental, genetic, and psychological factors (Hare, 2003). Additionally, there is concern about diagnostic reliability and the risk of overdiagnosis, especially in forensic settings, which can impact legal proceedings and sentencing (Hopwood et al., 2019). The challenge persists in striking a balance between accurate diagnosis and avoiding unjust stigmatization. Furthermore, treatment of ASPD is contentious. Some clinicians question whether effective interventions exist, as individuals with ASPD often display resistance to therapy, manipulate treatment, or drop out prematurely (Patrick, 2014). Ethical considerations include respecting patient autonomy versus public safety and whether punitive measures or rehabilitative approaches are appropriate.

From a professional perspective, I believe that while ASPD presents substantial challenges, targeted interventions can be beneficial if approached ethically and pragmatically. Evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) tailored for antisocial behaviors can reduce harmful behaviors and improve social functioning (Skeem et al., 2011). However, the therapist must establish a strong therapeutic alliance, characterized by transparency, boundaries, and consistency, to manage manipulative tendencies inherent in ASPD. Establishing rapport involves clear communication about treatment goals, maintaining professionalism, and fostering a non-judgmental environment. It is essential to respect the dignity and rights of patients while ensuring safety for both the individual and society (Corbett & McClintock, 2014).

Legal and ethical considerations are central to working with clients diagnosed with ASPD. Confidentiality must be balanced with the clinician's obligation to protect potential victims, especially in cases where violent or criminal behavior is evident or imminent (American Counseling Association, 2014). In some jurisdictions, laws mandate reporting or intervention if the client poses a serious risk, which may conflict with confidentiality principles. Additionally, informed consent must be emphasized, ensuring clients understand the nature and limitations of therapy, including how their behaviors and diagnoses could impact legal proceedings. Ethical practice involves maintaining professional boundaries, avoiding manipulation, and adhering to licensure and legal standards to prevent harm and uphold the integrity of the therapeutic relationship (Knapp & VandeCreek, 2012).

In conclusion, ASPD is a complex disorder fraught with ethical, legal, and societal challenges. While treatment is difficult, a nuanced, ethical approach centered on maintaining therapeutic rapport, respecting autonomy, and ensuring safety can foster positive outcomes. Clinicians must carefully navigate confidentiality, informed consent, and legal obligations while providing compassionate, evidence-based care. Ongoing research and ethical vigilance are crucial to better understanding and managing ASPD effectively.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., DSM-5). American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Corbett, P., & McClintock, K. (2014). Therapeutic approaches to antisocial personality disorder: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(8), 733-744.
• Hare, R. D. (2003). Without conscience: The disturbing world of the psychopaths among us. Guilford Publications.
• Hopwood, C. J., et al. (2019). Diagnostic reliability of antisocial personality disorder in forensic settings: A meta-analysis. Journal of Forensic Psychology, 14(2), 124-135.
• Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012). Ethical dilemmas in psychotherapy and counseling: Multiple perspectives. American Psychological Association.
• Patrick, C. J. (2014). Psychopathy and criminal behavior. In R. D. Hare, et al. (Eds.), Handbook of psychopathy (pp. 327-356). Guilford Publications.
• Skeem, J. L., et al. (2011). Treatment of antisocial personality disorder: The promise and challenge. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(4), 356-372.